MARTINA HAMILTON

18K Gold & Sterling Silver  Nova Pendant Necklace

Ireland’s third largest city, Limerick, is renowned for its energetic nightlife but the tourist draw also boasts
more low-key go-to spots.  

The Irish Palatine Museum and King John’s Castle are collective, transports “back in time”; while Buttercup Farm is a fun, casual place to learn about farming.

Ireland is also home to featured jewelry designer Martina Hamilton.

What can I say?  Nature inspires jewelry designers.  It is a remarkable muse in its ever-changing myriad of forms.

Hamilton’s glistening sterling silver jewelry collections, which also feature 18-karat gold accents, pay homage, in part, to the floral and astral planes.

Items like her respective Oyster Pearl Pendant and Astral Pearl Pendant are based on floral patterns that mimic constellations. 

As a matter of fact, the design of the Oyster Pearl Pendant can be alternately viewed as a textured oyster shell holding a beautiful, cultured pearl upon its mirror-like concave; or a “stellar transit” where the pearl resembles “a minor moon moving past the face of a planet.”  Sculptural in their dimensions both designs are at once delicate and striking; a signature of Hamilton’s powerful yet graceful design style.

18K Gold & Sterling Silver Chameleon Earrings

Other jewelry creations that include Irish cross necklaces; the silversmith’s take on the traditional shamrock emblem; and organic oxidized forms highlighting primal pictographs reflect Hamilton’s penchant for classic design with a modern twist. 

Hamilton’s unique style caught the attention of legendary country singer Dolly Parton.  Parton in turn has regularly featured the jeweler’s sumptuous wares at the Dollywood amusement park’s Festival of Nations.  Not surprisingly the jewelry collections are a hit with visitors as prices run from $59 for her Simple Pearl Drop Earrings to $349 for her Nova Pendant.

“My early training as a sculptor has really influenced the development of my collections.  I have been handcrafting jewelry for more than twenty years,” says the mother of twin daughters.  

“I am influenced by my environment.  Even the rain—the way raindrops sit on leaves those details I pay attention to and implement into my jewelry. I create new collections annually and I love doing it.”

Sterling Silver Oyster Pearl Pendant Necklace

2013 Jewelry Trend Alert:   Hamilton’s sculptural designs highlight the icy hues of sterling silver, futuristic themes, and floral motifs.

A selections of items from Hamilton's collection is available for purchase at CelticPromise.com.